It's Heating Up Again in Arizona — Solar Shades & Screens Can Slash Your Energy Bill

It's Heating Up Again in Arizona — Solar Shades & Screens Can Slash Your Energy Bill

Bottom line: Solar screens and solar shades block up to 90% of solar heat entering through windows, reducing cooling costs by up to 25% — making them one of the most cost-effective home upgrades for Phoenix, AZ homeowners facing extreme desert summers.

If it feels like Phoenix summers are getting more brutal every year, that's because they are. According to the National Weather Service, 2024 was Phoenix's hottest year on record — not by a small margin, but by 1.3 degrees above the previous all-time high. The summer average hit 98.9°F, the city endured 113 consecutive days above 100°F, and 70 days crossed the 110-degree threshold.

One of the most cost-effective investments a Phoenix homeowner can make is also one of the simplest: installing quality solar shades and window screens. At Window Screen Guys, serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, and the greater Valley, it's what we do — and the science behind it is impressive.

How Solar Screens Reduce Your Energy Costs

Most of the heat gain in a Phoenix home during summer enters through the windows. When sunlight hits glass, it converts to infrared heat energy on the interior side — and your AC immediately has to work harder to compensate. Solar screens intercept this process before it happens by blocking the sun's rays at the screen level, outside the glass entirely.

High-quality solar screens — like the ones Window Screen Guys installs using Phifer SunTex 80 and SunTex 90 mesh — can block up to 90% of solar heat and UV rays. The U.S. Department of Energy confirms solar screens as a top solution for reducing solar heat gain through windows in desert climates, with potential cooling cost savings of up to 25%.

The Arizona Energy Reality: Your Bills Are Going Up

Arizona's electricity rates rose nearly 20% between 2021 and 2024. Phoenix homeowners on APS currently pay an average of 15.3¢ per kilowatt-hour — and with an average Arizona home consuming around 12,815 kWh per year, a 25% reduction in cooling demand adds up to real dollars, fast. Arizona has 299 sunny days per year — about 50% more sunshine than the national average — making the payoff from solar screens among the highest in the country.

What Are Solar Shades?

Solar shades — also called retractable sun shades — operate on a roller system and can be raised or lowered based on time of day or sun angle. They use the same high-performance UV-blocking mesh as fixed solar screens but offer flexibility, making them ideal for patios, covered entries, west-facing windows, and indoor living rooms. Window Screen Guys can help determine which solution — fixed screens, retractable shades, or a combination — is right for your Phoenix home and budget.

💡 Pro Tip: West- and south-facing windows get the most direct afternoon sun in Phoenix. Prioritizing solar screens on those exposures gives you the biggest energy return for your investment.

Why Install Before Summer Peaks?

Phoenix temperatures typically begin surging past 100°F by late May and stay there into September. Installing solar screens or shades before that window means your home is protected from day one of the heat season. Waiting until it's already 110°F means extra strain on your cooling system and higher utility bills you can't recover.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Screens in Phoenix

Do solar screens really lower my electric bill in Phoenix, AZ?
Yes. Solar screens block up to 90% of solar heat gain through windows, reducing your home's cooling load. The U.S. Department of Energy reports savings of up to 25% on cooling costs. In Arizona, with 299 sunny days per year, most homeowners recoup the installation cost within one to two years.

What is the difference between a solar screen and a regular window screen?
A standard insect screen lets most light and heat pass through. Solar screens — like Phifer SunTex — use a tightly woven PVC-coated mesh that intercepts UV and infrared radiation before it reaches the glass, significantly reducing heat transfer into your home.

Will solar screens block my view?
Visibility is reduced by 15–40% depending on mesh density and color. Darker mesh colors actually provide better outward visibility than lighter ones. Window Screen Guys will help you find the right balance for your home.

How soon can Window Screen Guys install solar screens in Phoenix?
Window Screen Guys serves greater Phoenix — including Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, and Peoria — and can typically schedule installation within days. Contact us for a free quote.

What solar screen mesh does Window Screen Guys use?
We install Phifer SunTex 80 and SunTex 90 — industry-leading solar screen materials rated for Arizona's extreme UV and heat conditions. SunTex 90 blocks 90% of solar radiation and is the most popular choice for Phoenix homes.